Though “The Grey” director Joe Carnahan is generally regarded as purveyor of all things gritty and testosterone-fueled, that doesn’t mean his luck with launching projects is always golden. His darker “Daredevil” and “Gemini Man” sizzle reels remained just that, and casting disputes with Paramount led him off the “Death Wish” remake, but we’ll see how his chances fare with a new project that similarly suits his distinctive style.

THR reports Carnahan is in talks with Universal to direct “Sugar Bandits,” an adaptation of the novel “Devils In Exile” by “The Strain” author Chuck Hogan (who also penned the script). Produced under Marc Shmuger and Tom McNulty‘s Global Produce label, the film follows an Iraq War veteran struggling with life back in Boston, who then assembles a team of like-minded soldiers to rip off the scores of drug dealers around town.

Besides just screaming Carnahan’s name, the story also finds Hogan back in familiar territory, after plying the source material of “The Town” for Ben Affleck back in 2010. A cast hasn’t yet been announced for the film, but once Carnahan steps aboard, expect things to zip along nicely.